It was the match the comp had been waiting for - 1st verses 2nd, Broulee V Redbacks. On a top day for rugby with a huge crowd (thanks you to the loyal Braidwood travelling supporters,) the game started at a tremendous pace, from the start the Redbacks forwards pounded Broulee destroying their scrums and causing havoc with the pick and drive and maul.
Then a moment of magic Mark Holland got the ball 50 metres out and unleashed a run he's been perfecting for 38 years. It had everything, hands off, swerves, dummies and side steps leaving a trail of Broulee blokes in his wake. Unfortunately the try line wasn't a little higher off the ground, then the dropped ball wouldn't have mattered.
Broulee were going backwards and the pressure had to tell, the Redbacks young backline ran hard all day led by Brendan Maher who had an awesome game and the ever present Adam hacker crossed for a much deserved score.
Morrison, Vardanega, Coe and Moff dominated the forward exchanges and just before half time forced Broulee into a mistake which Tim Moffit scored from.
Half time and Broulee were reeling, fresh players were brought on and a torrid second half began and loose ball and the Broulee backs hurled themselves at Braidwood. A huge wrap for the tackling of the backs Brendan, Nadin, Tim, Seamus, Ferret and Reece, as they never gave a backward step.
Broulee edged in front with a dubious penalty with 5 minutes to go. Braidwood threw everything at Broulee, Reece and Seamus both going close to scoring. Brendan's kick from the touchline near half way hit the cross bar! Final score 20 - 18 to Broulee. So close, but Braidwood played the best rugby so far this season, and in our first real hit out for weeks the signs are all good for the run in to the finals.
This week, a huge game at Batemans' Bay with a 3pm kick off. All supporters very welcome.
The points went to 3 Daniel Vardanega, 2 Craig Coe, 1 Tim Morrison. Players player Daniel.
Thank you to all the supporters and remember the Wallaby Jersey is on display in the Muttons window.
Steve Northcott
TOIRKENS GOES 1ST GRADE
In his second year of refereeing in the ACT Rugby competition, Michael Toirkens was appointed to his first 1st Grade game last Saturday. Michael refereed the match between Tuggeranong and Uni-Norths and even though it was a runaway win to Tuggeranong, Michael was complimented by both team captains, after the match. Michael will be appointed to another 1st grade match this Saturday.
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